Orexigen signs manufacturing deal for Contrave

Orexigen Therapeutics Inc. said Friday it signed a long-term manufacturing deal with drug manufacturer Patheon Inc. for producing the weight-loss drug Contrave.

Orexigen did not disclose financial details of the deal.

Contrave is among several potential obesity drugs that could reach the market over the next year. The drug has been successful in multiple late-stage studies, and the company expects to ask for Food and Drug Administration approval in 2010.

Vivus Inc. has asked the FDA to approve its obesity drug Qnexa, and Arena Therapeutics Inc. has asked for approval of Lorcaserin.